The Limits of Psychologists: What They Should and Shouldn’t Work With
Psychologists, like everyone else, have boundaries. Despite their skills and training, there are situations they simply can’t or shouldn’t address. This isn’t about limitations in their abilities, but rather about ethics, practicality, and the fundamental nature of psychological work. Let’s explore what psychologists don’t—and shouldn’t—work with, a topic not only vital for clients but also for professionals who might find themselves tempted to take on the wrong kind of challenge.
First off, psychologists don’t treat psychotic or neurological illnesses. If you’re dealing with something like epilepsy or schizophrenia, or experiencing hallucinations, amnesia, or other symptoms of a neurological nature, the answer isn’t therapy—it’s medical treatment. Sure, psychologists can support psychotic patients, but this is usually in partnership with a medical doctor, focusing on social adaptation rather than curing the condition. And let’s not even start on requests like “take off this curse that’s been placed on me.”
Another critical point: psychologists don’t work with third-party problems. If you want someone to "fix" your son’s drug addiction or stop your mom from nagging you, you’re out of luck. A psychologist can only work with you, addressing how you respond to those relationships and helping you navigate them better. They aren’t magicians or sorcerers, and they don’t cast spells to manipulate others remotely.
Then there are problems rooted in objective, external causes—ones that no amount of therapy can change. If your dimly lit room is making you sad, you probably need an electrician, not a psychologist. The same applies to financial issues. There’s this popular myth about “money coaches” who magically multiply incomes, but the truth is simpler: they cherry-pick clients already on the path to success. A psychologist can help you address internal barriers—like fear of asking for a raise—but they can’t transform you into a financial genius or erase a mountain of debt overnight.
Here’s something that might surprise you: psychologists don’t do personality makeovers. You can’t turn an introvert into an extrovert or an anxious person into someone who’s perpetually carefree. These traits are largely innate. What therapy can do is help you understand and accept yourself, teaching you how to embrace who you are and make the most of your natural tendencies.
And then there’s the sticky issue of motivation. Without it, therapy goes nowhere. If someone shows up unwilling to take responsibility for their part in the process, even the best psychologist in the world can’t help. Personal growth requires effort, and that effort has to come from the client.
What about so-called non-problems? Imagine someone saying, “I get a little nervous before public speaking.” That’s not an issue; that’s normal. Everyone feels a bit of performance anxiety—it’s part of being human. A psychologist might help you see that it’s not actually a problem and guide you in reframing your experience, but they’re not going to treat something that’s a natural reaction.
Abstract problems are another no-go. Statements like, “My relationship with the world has deteriorated,” don’t provide a clear direction for therapy. Without specificity, it’s impossible to create a meaningful plan for change. Similarly, a psychologist won’t entertain vague, trendy requests like “hypnosis for body cleansing.” That’s just not their field.
And let’s not forget somatic illnesses. If someone claims they can cure cancer with psychology, they’re not just unethical—they’re dangerous. Psychology can offer support in coping with the emotional toll of illness, but it’s not a substitute for medical treatment.
Finally, therapy isn’t a game or a casual curiosity. If someone comes to a session “just to see what it’s like” or without a real problem, there’s no foundation to build on. Therapy thrives on intention and commitment; without those, it’s a waste of time for everyone involved.
The bottom line is this: psychologists must know their boundaries. Taking on requests they can’t address isn’t just unprofessional—it’s unethical. And for clients, understanding these boundaries is just as important. Therapy isn’t a catch-all solution, but when it’s applied to the right problems with the right mindset, it can be transformative.